Copper Canyon




		Sharon and Andrew


		Scenery From the train some breathtaking scenery may be viewed. Hundreds of small Jacaranda type trees with pink or white flowers adorne the mountains along the way. The various streams and lakes were extremely picturesque.
	This is page one of three for Copper Canyon. Copper Canyon is world renowned for its beauty. Although Copper Canyon itself is quite small, the group of Canyons popularly named Copper Canyon dwarf the Grand Canyon in size. These canyons are each unique in that they have distinct features and vegetation. They are also unlike the Grand Canyon in that they consist of steeper cliffs and their gorges are much narrower.



How to get there The Chihuahua-Pacifico Railroad built in 1961 with its 39 bridges and 86 tunnels through the rugged Sierra Madre provides the main means of transport into the area. The train ride is a regular 2nd class experience complete with wonderfully fragrant toilet facilities. The train leaves Los Mochis at 6am and takes longer than is claimed to get to Creel (about 11 hours). Creel is the town where most visitors stay.

A very popular stop just before Creel allows travelers to jump off to take a quick photo of part of the canyon. 'Quick' however is the important word. The train stops for 15 minutes only and never longer. The train actually left after 12 minutes on our trip. Many people were, and have been left behind so keep an accurate track of the time.

A scenic 15 minute stop

Local children of the canyons.

Basket weavers and sellers

One of the region's most popular items are small weaved baskets. The lady pictured above was making such a basket.

Many locals make their living by selling such baskets. Ladies board the train at one stop and then travel through the aisles selling their wears until the end of the line and then journey home the next day.

A warning
The open air section between train carriages provide little room for excited photographers. Further, the space between the edge of the train and the surrounding rock walls in very small. It is therefore important that travellers don't get curious and stick their heads out to peak in front. Unfortunately a traveller a month previously found this out the hard way.

If you would like to have a chat to either Andrew or Sharon or comment on the site, please give either of them an email - andrew_wild@yahoo.com and sharon_gillett@yahoo.com

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